I Chronicles 18:8 · Bible study
1 Chronicles 18:8 Commentary: David's Bronze, Solomon's Temple
Hebrew · 6 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
How David's captured bronze became the temple furnishings. A study connecting conquest to worship in Chronicles.
Research Summary
- Meaning: David’s captured bronze becomes the material for Solomon’s temple worship.
- Key words: Bronze (nechoshet), copper-based metal; Tibhath / Cun, cities of Hadadezer, likely same as Betah / Berothai.
- Main debate: Whether the connection to Solomon’s temple is original to Chronicles or a later insertion (LXX adds it to 2 Sam 8:8).
- Theological theme: Divine provision across generations; preparation and fulfillment in God’s plan for worship.
- Best use: A text for preaching on legacy, giving, and God’s faithfulness in preparing for worship.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
And from Tibhath and Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took a large amount of bronze, with which Solomon made the bronze Sea, the pillars, and various bronze articles.
WEB World English Bible 2000
From Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took very much bronze, with which Solomon made the bronze sea, the pillars, and the vessels of bronze.
KJV King James Version 1769
Likewise from Tibhath, and from Chun, cities of Hadarezer, brought David very much brass, wherewith Solomon made the brasen sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
And from Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadarezer, David took very much brass, wherewith Solomon made the brazen sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
and from Tibhath, and from Chun, cities of Hadarezer, hath David taken very much brass; with it hath Solomon made the brazen sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
And from Tibhath, and from Chun, cities of Hadarezer, David took very much brass, of which Solomon made the brazen sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
Likewise out of Thebath and Chun, cities of Adarezer, he brought very much brass, of which Solomon made the brazen sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Asimismo de Thibath y de Chûn ciudades de Adarezer, tomó David muy mucho metal, de que Salomón hizo el mar de bronce, las columnas, y vasos de bronce.
Assim de Tibate e de Cum, cidades de Hadadezer, Davi tomou muito bronze, de que Salomão fez o mar de bronze, as colunas, e vasos de bronze.
David prit encore une grande quantité d’ airain à Thibchath et à Cun, villes d’Hadarézer. Salomon en fit la mer d’ airain, les colonnes et les ustensiles d’ airain.
Auch nahm David aus den Städten Hadadesers, Tibehath und Chun, sehr viel Erz, davon Salomo das eherne Meer und die Säulen und eherne Gefäße machte.
Ook nam David zeer veel kopers uit Tibchath, en uit Chun, steden van Hadar-ezer; daarvan heeft Salomo de koperen zee, en de pilaren, en de koperen vaten gemaakt.
Davide prese anche una grande quantità di rame a Tibhath e a Cun, città di Hadarezer. Salomone se ne servì per fare il mar di rame, le colonne e gli utensili di rame.
Przytem z Tybchat i z Chun, miast Hadarezerowych, nabrał Dawid miedzi bardzo wiele, z której Salomon sprawił morze miedziane, i słupy, i naczynia miedziane.
А из Тивхавы и Куна, городов Адраазаровых, взял Давид весьма много меди. Из нее Соломон сделал медное море и столбы и медные сосуды.
大衛 又從屬哈大利謝 的提巴（或譯：比他）和均 二城 中奪取了 許 多 的銅。後來所羅門 用此 製造 銅 海、 銅柱，和 一切的銅 器。
And from Tibhath and from Cun, towns of Hadadezer, David took a great store of brass, of which Solomon made the great brass water-vessel and the brass pillars and vessels.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · I Chronicles 18:8
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that 1 Chronicles 18:8 bridges David's military success and Solomon's temple worship. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes that the Chronicler alone adds Solomon's use of the bronze, a detail not found in 2 Samuel 8:8. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown observe that the place names Tibhath and Cun correspond to Betah and Berothai in Samuel, likely alternate names for the same Aramean towns. Ellicott's Commentary adds that the Septuagint may have inserted this connection, indicating early recognition of the link between war spoil and sacred service.
The Hebrew word nechoshet translated 'brass' refers to copper or bronze, the alloy used for the temple's bronze sea, pillars, and vessels (2 Chronicles 4). This verse shows the Chronicler's theological purpose: David's victories supply the raw materials for the house of God, emphasizing that the glory of Solomon's temple was built on David's faithfulness.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: David brought bronze from Hadadezer's cities, and Solomon later used that bronze for key temple furnishings—a concrete link between David's military campaigns and Israel's worship.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| City identification | Tibhath and Cun correspond to Betah and Berothai in 2 Samuel 8:8. | Some scholars (e.g., Jamieson-Fausset-Brown) treat them as alternate names for the same places; others suggest textual corruption or that one set may be the Hebrew and the other Aramean names. |
| Bronze vs. brass | The Hebrew <em>nechoshet</em> refers to copper or bronze. Ancient 'brass' was an alloy of copper and tin. | Older English translations (KJV, ASV) used 'brass,' which is anachronistic for the period. Modern translations prefer 'bronze' or 'copper.' |
| Chronicler's addition | The connection between David's spoil and Solomon's temple is unique to Chronicles and not in 2 Samuel. | Some commentators see this as the Chronicler's theological emphasis; others (e.g., Ellicott) note the LXX insertion may reflect an early tradition that the link was implicit. |
Historical & Cultural Context
This verse sits within the Chronicler's account of David's military campaigns (chapters 18, 20). Hadadezer, king of Zobah, led an Aramean coalition that David defeated, seizing chariots, silver, gold, and bronze (18:3, 7). The bronze from Tibhath and Cun, unknown cities, possibly Betah and Berothai (2 Sam 8:8), was specifically noted because of its future use.
In the ancient Near East, bronze (copper alloyed with tin) was a highly valued metal for tools, weapons, and luxury items. Solomon's temple required vast quantities: the bronze sea, a massive water basin for priestly cleansing (2 Chr 4:2, 6); two pillars named Jachin and Boaz (2 Chr 4:12, 13); and numerous vessels for sacrifices. The Chronicler, writing after the exile when the second temple seemed modest by comparison (Ezra 3:12), emphasizes that the first temple was built with abundant, divinely provided materials. David's role as the warrior who acquired these resources, though he never built the house, shows God's plan unfolding across generations (1 Chr 22:14).
The place names themselves, Tibhath ('extension') and Cun ('established'), are mentioned only here and in the parallel. The Chronicler does not ask readers to locate them; he asks them to see the outcome: what David seized, Solomon consecrated. This pattern of preparation and fulfillment runs throughout Chronicles.
Textual Notes
The parallel in 2 Samuel 8:8 reads 'Betah and Berothai' rather than 'Tibhath and Cun.' The Cambridge Bible and Ellicott note this is likely a variant tradition or textual transposition. The Septuagint and Vulgate insert the notice about Solomon's use of the bronze into the 2 Samuel passage, suggesting early scribes recognized the connection. No significant manuscript variants exist for 1 Chronicles 18:8 itself.
Reception History
Early Christian interpreters read David's capture of bronze as a type of Christ plundering the strong man (Matt 12:29) and the spoils becoming materials for the Church, the true temple. The specification of the bronze sea and pillars was seen as prefiguring baptism and the apostolic foundation. In Jewish tradition, the verse underscored David's merit in preparing for the Temple, even though he did not build it, a theme that encouraged post-exilic communities to value their contributions even when they could not complete the work. The verse has been cited in discussions on tithing and legacy giving as a model of providing for future generations of worship.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Victory provides for worship. David’s conquests did not enrich him personally; they supplied materials for God’s house. The bronze that once served Hadadezer now served the living God.
- The preparer and the builder work together. God uses different people at different stages. David did the fighting; Solomon did the building. Neither could have done the other’s part. Both were needed.
- God’s plan spans generations. The bronze was captured before Solomon was even king. What a generation gathers in faith often benefits the next.
Five-point outline
- David’s obedience in war. He did not fight for himself but for God’s kingdom (18:6, 13).
- The specific metal. Bronze, not gold or silver, is highlighted, less precious yet indispensable for the temple’s function.
- The unknown cities. Tibhath and Cun are obscure, but their spoil was not forgotten. God’s inventory includes what we overlook.
- The partnership. David gathers; Solomon builds. The Chronicler makes the partnership explicit to show continuity in God’s work.
- The result: worship. The bronze sea, pillars, and vessels were not ends in themselves; they served the worship of Israel. Victory and labor pointed to the altar.
Illustration hooks
- A couple saving for decades to leave a gift for their church’s building fund, materials they will never see used.
- A community that collects scrap metal to fund a youth center, turning what was discarded into a space for new life.
- A military surplus store selling old equipment now repurposed for disaster relief.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why does the Bible mention cities nobody can locate? (Because the point is not geography but what God did with the spoil.)
- What does bronze have to do with faith? (It was the tangible material that enabled worship; God cares about the physical resources we bring.)
- Why emphasize David’s role if Solomon built the temple? (To show that what David prepared was as essential as what Solomon built. God honors every faithful contribution.)
Leading a Discussion
This verse shows how God’s victories under David provided the materials for worship under Solomon. It invites us to consider how our labors today may serve God’s purposes for generations to come. The Chronicler could have passed over this detail, but he chose to highlight the origin of the temple’s bronze. That choice teaches us something about how God values preparation and contribution.
Discussion questions
- What stands out about the specific mention of bronze and the two cities?
- Why do you think the Chronicler adds the phrase about Solomon’s use of the bronze?
- How does this verse challenge our view of legacy and contribution in God’s kingdom?
- In what ways do we build on the faithfulness of those who came before us?
- What “bronze” might God be gathering in your life, gifts, resources, or experiences, that He intends to use for His purposes?
- How can we, like David, prepare for worship even if we never see the final result?
- What does this passage teach about the connection between everyday work and sacred service?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| II Samuel 8:8 | From Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took a great quantity of bronze. |
| I Kings 7:15 | For he fashioned the two pillars of bronze, eighteen cubits high apiece; and a line of twelve cubits encircled either of them. |
| I Kings 7:47 | Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because there were so many of them. The weight of the bronze could not be determined. |
| I Chronicles 22:14 | Now, behold, in my affliction I have prepared for Yahweh’s house one hundred thousand talents of gold, one million talents of silver, and bronze and iron without weight; for it is in abundance. I have also prepared timber and stone; and you may add to them. |
| II Chronicles 4:2 | Also he made the molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim. It was round, five cubits high, and thirty cubits in circumference. |
| II Chronicles 4:6 | He also made ten basins, and put five on the right hand and five on the left, to wash in them. The things that belonged to the burnt offering were washed in them, but the sea was for the priests to wash in. |
| II Chronicles 4:12 | the two pillars, the bowls, the two capitals which were on the top of the pillars, the two networks to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the top of the pillars, |
| II Chronicles 4:18 | Thus Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance, so that the weight of the bronze could not be determined. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
6 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge Bible commentary clarifies that the place names in this passage (like Tibhath and Chun) correspond to variant names found elsewhere in Scripture. It also notes that the word rendered "brass" actually refers to copper or bronze, the metal used to make the great basin in the temple.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Bible notes emphasize that the brass David plundered from the cities of Tibhath and Chun was divinely preserved for Solomon’s temple work. This same metal later became the bronze sea, pillars, and vessels, showing how David’s victories supplied materials for worship.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB notes that the places called Tibhath and Chun in this passage appear under different names in the parallel account, suggesting that one name might be Jewish and the other Syrian. Though their exact locations remain unknown, the Arabic version identifies them as the well-known cities of Emesa and Baalbek.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange examines how the Chronicler deliberately selected from his sources, omitting episodes from 2 Samuel that might tarnish David's reputation. He notes the absence of David's dangerous fight with Ishbi-benob, his adultery and murder, and Solomon's idolatry, arguing the Chronicler focused instead on David's victorious wars and legitimate rule.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry points out that David's stunning military successes came right after he had enjoyed sweet communion with God through word and prayer. For Henry, the sequence is significant: time spent with God first gave David extraordinary vigor and courage to conquer, and the long-time enemies of Israel foreshadow how all opposing powers will finally fall before the Son of David.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley notes that David ends his prayer the same way God’s promise ends: with the word "for ever." God’s word is fixed on eternal things, and David’s prayer follows suit. This pattern should shape our own desires and hopes to look beyond the present toward what lasts forever.